With half their starting lineup out with injuries, the 2013 Yankees might be headed for the same fate as the 1966 Bronx Bombers that went from first to last place in the space of two years.

Saturday's game at West Point against Army was the last tune-up before Monday's season opener at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox.

It was a perfect spring day weather-wise, with bright sunshine, beautiful blue skies and temperatures near 60.

If only the Yankees' outlook could be so bright.

But at least they're keeping things in perspective.

"People think the Yankees have a hard job; these guys have a hard job," said Mark Teixeira, watching the Cadets take pre-game infield practice. "They're the leaders and protectors of tomorrow."

With a cast on his wrist, the first baseman has an uncertain future this season, but he's keeping that in perspective, too. "No matter who's on the field we're still the Yankees," he said. "We're going to persevere."

The combined salaries of Bombers on the DL is greater than the entire income of some Third World nations.

Granted, the injuries that 'Tex,' A-Rod, Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson suffered take a long time to heal. By the time they come back, however, it's anybody's guess how many games behind their teammates might be.

"Every year you have to go through things," skipper Joe Girardi said. "Sometimes it's in the middle. For us it's now."

A frequent West Point visitor, Girardi said he learns something new with every trip. This time especially, he's drawing inspiration from the difficulties cadets prepare for.

"Our adversity isn't comparable to what they go through," he said. "Their adversity is much more costly. What we do is important to us, but it's a little bit different than the tradition here. When they're out on the battlefield the stakes are a lot higher."

The Yankees took a 21-0 record against Army into Saturday's game, dating back to 1927.

Cadet third baseman Harold Earls, an eternal optimist, said, "Every time we play and lose, the percentages go up that we'll beat them next time. We might only beat them one out of 100 times. If we could beat them that one time today, that would be pretty good."

But the Yankees quickly decided the game's outcome with a five-run, second inning outburst led by designated hitter Brandon Boesch's two-run homer over the center field wall.

Joking, Girardi said that perhaps Army took the Yankees for granted as they got ready for Sunday's doubleheader against Navy.

With a grueling season ahead, this will likely be the last relaxing weekend he has between now and October.

The Yankees didn't just play ball at West Point. They joined the cadets in the mess hall, toured their field house and drew inspiration from the memorials to fallen military heroes.

Army head coach Joe Sottolano knows how that can impact visitors.

"When you see and feel what this place means to our country, our hope and expectation is that when they come here and they leave, they'll leave with a little better mindset," he said. "I don't think there could be a better fit for the New York Yankees, who are the best at what they do, than to come here."

Major Matt Miller, an Iraq war veteran, from Philadelphia, is the officer's representative at Army baseball games, stationed in the dugout. "I'm the guy in charge of bringing the gum and sunflower seeds (for players)," he said, smiling. "I always bring bacon-flavored seeds. That's what I'm known for."

His father, Major (ret.) Gary Miller was Army's catcher in 1974 and threw out Yankee Bobby Murcer who tried to steal second base. "He's (my father) here," Miller said. "He's got an off-field pass. He's proud to be here. He's excited that I'm in the dugout."

Cadet Alex Robinett, of Oregon, is a big Seattle Mariners fan and was hoping to meet Ichiro, who joined the Yankees last year. "It's awesome having the Yankees here," he said.

General Manager Brian Cashman, using crutches and wearing an ankle cast, talked about the 2013 season. "The world doesn't stop spinning," he said. "Life goes on and we'll try to find a way to move with it and make our fans proud."

He was injured on March 14 at Homestead Air Force Base while jumping with the Army Black Knights parachutists to raise money for the Wounded Warriors project. "Two jumps, one good landing," he said.

Cashman said the Yankees were invited to West Point by the Army chief of staff, whose son used to work for the Yankees. The Cadets use Yankee spring training facilities every spring, in Florida, and the Army football team has played a couple of recent games at Yankee Stadium so there's a strong connection.

It's uncertain if the Yankees will be back next year. Cashman said he'd like to see it happen as often as possible. His uncle, Pete Cashman, has been in charge of the horses at West Point for the past 25 years.

Yankee Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner and his sister, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal, traded gifts with Army leaders before the game. Steinbrenner stable horses have raced at Saratoga many times. Swindal said she'd like to pay a visit this year. "My sister is there every year," she said. "I love Saratoga."